Protective equipment in sports / sports technology
a. Taping:
Taping is a crucial aspect of protective equipment in sports. It involves the use of elasticized or rigid adhesive tape to limit excessive or potentially harmful motion while still allowing for a desired range of motion. This technique is commonly employed on moderate-sized joints such as the ankle, thumb, and wrist.
For instance, boxers often use taping on their hands and wrists before putting on boxing gloves. However, it is important to note that taping does not strengthen the joint; instead, it provides additional proprioceptive feedback. In cases where joints are unstable, more rigid bracing or rest from the sport may be necessary.
Taping serves two primary purposes: prevention and rehabilitation.
PREVENTION:
Taping is a preventive measure for athletes engaging in high-risk activities without any underlying structural weakness. The goal of taping in these cases is to maintain ligaments in a neutral position.
Ankle taping in basketball is a common example of this preventive measure.
REHABILITATION:
During the recovery and rehabilitation phases of injury tissue repair, taping serves as a protective measure for structurally weak joints. Rigid tape is often used to restrict undesired movement. However, it is crucial for the adhesive to be dry and in firm contact with the skin to provide the necessary proprioceptive feedback. The duration of taping varies depending on the intensity and nature of the game, as well as the forces applied on the tape, typically ranging from 15 to 50 minutes.
To minimize skin irritation, it is recommended to shave the area 12 hours prior to taping. Additionally, individuals who sweat excessively can use adhesive spray to enhance tape adhesion. The principle behind rehabilitation taping is to maintain injured ligaments in a shortened position, thus minimizing the risk of reinjury.
When applying tape, several factors should be considered.
- Tape should be of appropriate width, with overlap of preceding layers of tape.
- Care must be taken so as to not allow creases or folds as it will predispose to skin irritation and blisters.
- Circulation and nerve compression can be complicated if tape applied too tightly and in effective if applied too loosely.
- Removal of tape best done with tape scissors and moisturizing the tape. With regular application of tape skin may become sensitized and develop allergies.
b. Bracing:
Braces serve a dual purpose in sports: they are used during therapy and as a preventive measure against injuries. A brace provides external support to a joint, enhancing its stability. The level of support may vary depending on the material used, and braces can be either purchased over the counter or custom-made for a perfect fit.
ADVANTAGES:
Compared to taping, braces offer a more practical and cost-effective solution. Splints, on the other hand, are specifically designed for long-term joint protection. Braces are easier to apply, less painful to remove, and significantly reduce the likelihood of causing skin irritations.
DISADVANTAGES:
One major challenge with braces lies in finding the right size and fit. If the brace doesn’t fit perfectly, it may shift during movement, add unnecessary weight, and even pose a risk of failure. The simplest type of brace, made of heat-retaining neoprene sleeves, is readily available for most joints. These sleeves retain heat in inflamed or stiff joint areas while providing mechanical support across the joint.
However, more specialized braces are larger, costlier, and heavier. Consequently, they offer greater support and better control over abnormal or unwanted joint movements.
EXAMPLE:
Consistently wearing a knee brace can significantly improve stability, alleviate symptoms, and enhance functionality for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.